DAVIS LOVE III closed with an eight under par 64 yesterday to win the Buick Invitational and derail Phil Mickelson's attempt to win a third straight tournament.

Love birdied four of the final six holes on the South Course at Torrey Pines to finish 72 holes at 19 under par 269. Mickelson, who shot a 67, bogeyed the 16th hole, then failed to convert birdie opportunities on either of the final two holes and finished second, two strokes behind.

The victory was the 10th of Love's career, earning him $216,000.

"It's very exciting, especially getting my 10th win," Love said. "It's a nice goal for anybody coming out on tour. I'll just try to get 10 more."

Third round leader Lennie Clements, a 15 year PGA Tour veteran, failed in his attempt to win for the first time. He shot a final round 71 and finished in a tie for third, three shots back.

"Even though I was leading (much of the day Sunday) I felt like I was playing catch up, because I knew those guys were going to shoot low scores," Clements said.